Why baby boomers aren’t moving in 

For decades, the industry has anticipated the arrival of baby boomers. And many communities are still waiting. COVID-19, rising construction costs, labor challenges and interest rates present real barriers, but the deeper issue remains clear: 

Baby boomers aren’t satisfied with what’s currently being offered. 

Boomers, and Generation X ,are redefining aging. They don’t view senior housing as a last resort. Instead, they seek vibrant lifestyles with meaningful experiences. If we as an industry keep building and designing for what worked for generations past, we risk alienating a generation that thinks differently. Instead, we need to value what our new audience values: independence and aspirational living. 

Moving from need-based to aspirational living 

Historically, seniors have transitioned into senior housing following a crisis: a health event, isolation, or loss of support. But what if we flipped that model? What if seniors chose to enter communities earlier, healthier, and enthusiastic about their future? 

This requires rethinking our value proposition as an industry. Instead of marketing communities as safe havens, present them as places for growth, where discreet technology supports proactive care, individuals pursue their passions, and personalized wellness plans promote health span, not just lifespan. 

 “People deserve dignity as they age. We need to shift the narrative.”

– Gaurie Rodman (Vice President – Real Estate Strategy and Development)

Designing communities for wellness and joy 

From culinary experiences to virtual travel and social engagement, expectations for senior housing are higher than ever. Communities must evolve beyond simply providing care. They need to become cultural hubs, wellness centers, and social connectors that focus on holistic wellness, including: 

• Effective, discreet physical health support 
• Emotional wellness through meaningful social connection 
• Cognitive engagement through purposeful activities 
• Purpose-driven opportunities to inspire individuals daily 

All of this must be integrated into environments that don’t feel like “nursing homes” of the past. Human-centric design should be intuitive, inclusive, and dignified, reflecting the lifestyle baby boomers want. 

“It doesn’t have to be the Taj Mahal of the world, but we can take the 40-year-old building in the heart of a community and actually looking at it with the right lens, transform it to serve the community that it’s trying to serve.” 

Leveraging technology and innovation to meet shifting needs 

To meet evolving consumer expectations while addressing operational and staffing challenges, operators must lean into technology, innovation, robotics, and AI. Embedded, invisible healthcare systems, predictive monitoring, and digital engagement tools can preserve dignity while proactively supporting health. Robotics and automation can help ease staffing pressures, while AI can anticipate resident needs and connect them with services, experiences, and community members in real time. 

“We need to make sure all the pillars, including health, wellness, affinity-based living, and meaningful experiences, align in the same community. Embedded technology and invisible healthcare should be the standard and a given in creating vibrant, purposeful living.” 

This approach not only enhances the resident experience but also enables the development of consumer-aligned, affordable housing models, ensuring communities remain accessible and competitive in a changing market. 

Time for a new narrative 

By listening deeply, designing with empathy, and building with purpose, we can create remarkable communities accessible at every income level. This new generation wants environments that feel like home and honor both independence and community. 

The future of senior care depends on operators reframing the approach to human-centric design. That future begins today. The most successful operators will lean into their community’s unique strengths to transform operating models, meeting consumers where they are and delivering what they truly value. 

Transform Your Community with Resident-Centered Furniture Solutions

Looking to create spaces that stand out and make a meaningful impact? Download our Senior Living Furniture Guide for tailored insights into furniture designed specifically for senior living environments. Discover room-by-room solutions that not only enhance comfort, safety, and style but also meet the unique needs of your residents and staff.

This guide provides expert recommendations on high-durability, easy-to-clean pieces that bring together functionality and aesthetics. Plus, with options like supportive armrests and mobility-friendly casters, you’ll find choices that promote resident independence and streamline staff workflow. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your spaces and boost community appeal—download the guide today to start planning for a more engaging, efficient environment.

Behavioral Health Designs: A Guide for Adaptive Reuse & Modernization

As psychiatric hospital design takes shape, the following are behavioral health architecture and design feature commonalities when creating a healing environment through adaptive reuse.

• Tailored Product Solutions: Selecting curated behavioral health products can help support healing environments.
• Space for Therapy: Ensure adequate space for therapy sessions to facilitate effective treatment.
• Patient Rooms: Design secure yet welcoming patient rooms that respect privacy while being inviting.
• Community and Privacy: Create areas that support both community interaction and private reflection.
• Atmosphere: Focus on an interior design that avoids an institutional feel, helping reduce the stigma often associated with behavioral health.

Successful Adaptive Reuse: Behavioral Health Trends in Building Design

Adaptive reuse offers a transformative path for behavioral health design by efficiently converting older buildings into therapeutic environments. Adaptive reuse revitalizes buildings that may otherwise remain vacant or be demolished, giving them a new lease on life and serving contemporary needs. Various types of buildings are ideal candidates for adaptive reuse due to their unique architectural features, historical significance, or robust structures. 

Adaptive Reuse Example: Converting Skilled Nursing Facilities for Behavioral Health

BH Business highlights this approach, which emphasizes the cost-effectiveness and speed benefits over new constructions.

• Existing Layouts: Skilled Nursing community buildings already possess layouts that support patient care, which can be adapted to the needs of behavioral health services.
• Facility Features: These buildings often include essential utilities and accessibility features, which can be upgraded to meet psychiatric care standards with fewer structural changes.

Benefits of Adaptive Reuse: Cost and Time Efficiencies

• Economic Benefits: Converting existing buildings into behavioral health facilities is generally more cost-effective than constructing new buildings. This applies not only to skilled nursing facilities but also to other types of structures like schools, offices, or residential buildings.
• Faster Project Completion: Leveraging existing structures speeds up the development process by eliminating initial phases required in new constructions, such as site preparation and foundational work. This efficiency reduces project timelines and enables a quicker response to develop mental health design architecture and psychiatric hospital layouts.

Proven Results from Modernizing Spaces

Another behavioral health design trend is integrating trauma-informed design. Crestwood is revitalizing its facilities with trauma-informed psychiatric facility design, focusing on creating spaces that feel homelike and promote healing. They partnered with Direct Supply to carefully select durable, commercial-grade furniture and other intentional procurement solutions. This collaboration has effectively transformed their facilities into refreshed, healing-focused environments.

After

Meet Your Partner for Behavioral Health Solutions: Direct Supply®

When considering adaptive reuse projects or how to enhance interior design for mental health facilities, a dedicated partner can help support your vision. 

• Expertise in Designing Healing Environments: Direct Supply® excels in creating spaces that foster mental health recovery, integrating essential elements like natural light, privacy, and sound control.
• Streamlined Project Management: From start to finish, Direct Supply® handles every project phase, tackling regulatory challenges and managing budgets without sacrificing quality.
• Customization: Direct Supply® understands that each facility has unique needs and offers customized solutions to enhance functionality and comfort.

Challenge

Crestwood San Jose faced challenges with dated aesthetics, mismatched furniture and general wear-and-tear that affected functionality and ambiance of their space and did not align with the organization’s trauma informed and homelike environments. Crestwood sought to revitalize its space to promote a healing environment and improve quality of care.

Solution

Streamlined Procurement Process

Direct Supply implemented a streamlined procurement process that covered everything from product selection to the final installation touches, including debris removal. The process was designed to ensure that every detail was meticulously managed, aligning with the facility’s needs and budget constraints.

Revitalizing to Follow Trauma Informed Design

Crestwood has been revitalizing their facilities to follow trauma informed design. This involved creating homelike and healing environments. Laura Valdivia (Crestwood, Project Manager), selected Direct Supply as a partner to achieve their vision. Our team was able to help her find the right durable, commercial-grade furniture in soothing hues that would help Crestwood achieve their vision. This partnership resulted in a refreshed space that is conducive to healing and care, leveraging the practices of trauma informed design. 

After

Aesthetic and Functional Upgrades

The upgrade included aesthetic and functional enhancements to various areas within the facility:

• Revitalizing Office Spaces: Reconfigured workstations and selected contemporary FF&E to improve efficiency and aesthetics.
• Crafting a Tranquil Oasis in the Common Area: Introduced soft, plush seating and warm hues to create a comforting and inviting space.
• Enhancing the Training & Conference Room: Designed this space with adaptive furniture and intentional space planning to facilitate both training sessions and client programming.

After

Outcomes

• Enhanced Patient Experience: The renovation efforts led to the creation of a homelike, healing environment that significantly improves the patient experience.
• Improved Staff Efficiency: The reconfiguration of workspaces enabled staff to perform administrative tasks more effectively, allowing them to dedicate more time to patient care.
• Strengthened Partnership: Crestwood’s continued reliance on Direct Supply for their procurement needs underscores the strength of their partnership and the trust in Direct Supply’s ability to deliver.

Overall, the Crestwood team was very happy with the outcome that will benefit their patients for years.

After

Conclusion

Direct Supply’s intentional procurement solutions have significantly elevated the care environment at Crestwood, illustrating the profound impact of thoughtful and comprehensive procurement practices in healthcare settings. The partnership between Crestwood and Direct Supply continues to thrive, bringing hope and healing to the facility’s patients and staff.

Let Direct Supply help you modernize your space and bring hope and healing to your buildings, today!  🌟

Schedule a Free Consultation!

Contact us to streamline your project from start to finish. Stop chasing POs and help eliminate stress. Our customers rely on Direct Supply for an unmatched assortment of products and superior project management horsepower.

Transforming Senior Living: The Ruby Commons Story- A Story of Rejuvenation and Collaboration

Nestled in the vibrant community of Brookfield, Wisconsin, Ruby Commons (formerly Heritage Place) by Capri Communities stands as a testament to the beauty of rejuvenation and the power of meaningful collaboration. This Independent and Assisted Living Community boasts a perfect blend of comfort, safety and security, providing residents with environments that enable an active and social lifestyle. The journey of turning this outdated building into a bright and modern haven involved not just a renovation, but a partnership. 

A Partnership For Excellence: The Capri-Aptura Connection

Ruby Commons represents a noteworthy milestone in the partnership between Capri Communities and Direct Supply® Aptura®. Throughout their long-standing relationship, Aptura has predominantly supported Capri Communities’ new construction projects. Ruby Commons presented the opportunity for the two old friends to join forces on a different type of project: a renovation. 

Elevating Experiences: A Vision of Comfort and Resident Engagement

Ruby Commons was presented with a unique challenge: it needed to stand out in a market surrounded by new competitors. Schoenemann had a clear vision for the renovation project. The desired outcome was not just an aesthetic facelift; it was a revitalization that positively impacted the well-being and comfort of their residents.

Amy shared that the project aimed to revitalize the once-tired, outdated appearance of the facility. Residents were using the same spaces repeatedly and the areas lacked the individuality and character that Capri aspired to create. 

Resident Jeanie S. and her dog Cooper shared how the renovations have impacted them. 

The Beauty of Details: A Resident-Centric Approach

The attention to detail in Ruby Commons is a true testament to the care and consideration given to each aspect of every Aptura senior housing project. The project emphasizes the impact of crafting a meaningful living environment, evident in the thoughtfully designed hallways that honor local Milwaukee, Lake Geneva and northern Wisconsin landscapes. The innovative approach is taken in spaces such as the puzzle room, where careful attention to lighting and furniture arrangement revitalized residents’ interest in a beloved activity.

The Atrium, the center of the community, became a shining example of how design can change the ambiance of a room. The unique 26-foot high wall covering murals and the thoughtful use of natural light transformed it into a vibrant, welcoming hub that serves as the heartbeat of Ruby Commons. 

Ruby Commons’ Renovation Results: Increased Call Volume, Tours and Occupancy

The results speak for themselves. Ruby Commons, once outdated and surrounded by newer competitors, now shines as a beacon of modernity and comfort. The improved marketability, increased census and enhanced ROI show the tangible impact of the renovation. The community’s weekly call volume has increased from 1.2 to 11.4 calls per week and tour generation has increased from 1.2 tours to 3.2 tours per week. Cindy Robinson, Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Capri Communities, has seen these dramatic changes firsthand:

Capri’s recommendation of Direct Supply Aptura isn’t just a professional endorsement; it’s a testament to the unique blend of design, attention to detail and ongoing commitment to service that is brought to every project.

Success in Senior Living Renovation or New Construction Projects Starts With Effective Strategic Planning

Great project outcomes come with good project planning. We know that isn’t an easy task, but when embarking on a reposition, renovation or new construction project, planning helps reduce risk and accelerate project execution. Gaurie Rodman, Direct Supply Aptura’s Development Services Director and strategic pre-construction planning expert, shares her insight on how ensuring a proper plan up-front can greatly help improve your return on investment and boost census.

“Planning is fundamental. In this industry, we do not have the luxury to make mistakes. When embarking upon a capital investment, one must be very thoughtful about what the priorities of that investment are, since we know that cost is going to be a challenge of that construction or renovation project. Decisions must be clear and must also allow for flexibility. The trick is, you cannot be flexible without first thinking through what your exact priorities are.”

Download the Q&A with Director of Planning and
Senior Living Expert, Gaurie Rodman

The Senior Living industry is seeing acquisition activity bounce back. Senior housing occupancy in the United States reached a record low in the beginning of 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Strategic planning is essential to improve occupancy rates. Planning as a risk management tool will allow you to manage any execution, timeline and budget risk. Planning is another tool in your arsenal that ensures your investment is sound.

As you begin reinvigorating your renovation projects, construction projects or acquisitions, you can rely on Direct Supply Aptura. Backed by 300+ renovation and new construction projects completed each year and over 35 years of Senior Living experience, we offer award-winning planning, design, procurement and construction services to help you boost census, safety and operational efficiency, providing unparalleled return on investment.

In this Q&A, Rodman answers commonly asked questions about the planning process and suggests what to consider upfront so that your Senior Living project stays successful for years to come. 

Who is part of the Senior Living caregiver team in your community? 

1. Senior Living Caregiver Team: Staff

Obviously, the staff who work in your community are the point people on your caregiver team. They work tirelessly to care for residents 24/7. Most Senior Living providers are paying their staff overtime hours and some are relying on agency or temp staff. Staff are quickly becoming burnt out and overworked. 

Equip your communities with the right technology to ease the burden on your caregiver staff. Robotic technology is no longer a future solve – the future is now. Rely on robotics for final mile delivery in your senior housing dining rooms. Physically cut down on the steps you require staff to take, ultimately saving time, money and reducing burden, by using a robot to bring food from the kitchen to the dining room. Communities that are piloting these systems are seeing great results; even residents are enjoying them. 

In the kitchen, robots can be used to fulfill repetitive movements and simple tasks like flipping burgers, making pancakes or filling salad bowls. High-tech robots exist to complete custom orders of salads or smoothies. Learn more about technology for the future of Senior Living. 

Contact our technology design experts to learn how these systems can future-proof your communities and reduce the burden on Senior Living staff. 

DS smart® technology helps staff optimizes the vitals documentation workflow. This tech lets bluetooth-enabled equipment wirelessly transfer EMR data to your EMR software instantly.

The mental and physical health of your staff directly impacts the mental and physical health of your residents. Keep your Senior Living community caregiver team healthy by caring for your staff properly. The needs of staff must be met to adequately meet the needs of residents. Like a parent putting their oxygen mask on first in an airplane, for optimal resident care staff must be cared for first. Read more about senior living design tipes for the heathcare worker shortage. 

2.  Senior Living Caregiver Team: Residents 

Residents in your communities play a large role on the caregiver team. Senior Living resident engagement starts with resident to resident interactions. Design spaces that allow for residents to commune together. Read about engagement spaces that foster memorable experiences for seniors. 

Residents serve the caregiver team in a more tangible sense, too. There are numerous jobs residents can take on – giving them purpose and reducing the work for Senior Living staff. 

Consider putting out a resident survey to determine which residents are interested in taking on a job at the community and offer them simple tasks. 

Do a few residents want to water the plants in the common spaces? Is there a committee of residents who would like to plan your next social activity? Is one of your residents a retired art teacher or history buff? Would they enjoy leading a class for their peers? Get creative when considering how your residents play a part in the caregiver team.

3. Senior Living Caregiver Team: The Surrounding Community 

There are various was to engage the surrounding community. Community volunteers for Senior Living facilities are an extension of the caregiver team that should not be overlooked. Start first with your resident’s loved ones and family members. They are already invested deeply in the success of your community. 

If your community has a bistro or café, opening it to the public will boost resident enjoyment of the space. The buzz of a busy coffee shop would increase Senior Living resident engagement. 

Invite a local art teacher or yoga instructor to your community to lead a class. Encourage students in your community to volunteer in the kitchen, during craft time or during other community activities. 

“My dog, Holmes, and I volunteer at local senior housing communities. I am one of many types of volunteers that visit. Being in the pet program, I meet with residents who enjoy animals. Other volunteers include musicians, readers and friendly visitors. I’ve noticed that incorporating various types of volunteers to meet residents’ interests helps create a sense of agency and connection. It’s really heartwarming to see the extension of the community through volunteers.”

Discover other tips for resident engagement and community volunteers opportunities.

4. Senior Living Caregiver Team: Your Building Itself

In the COVD-19 pandemic, whole building health was emphasized more than ever in the Senior Living industry. Trends exposed by the pandemic have lead to buildings themselves being a necessary part of the Senior Living caregiver team.  

When you think of your building as a caregiver, first consider the layout of your building.

• Is your space set up in a way that helps or hurts the people living and working inside?
• Does the flow of your entrance way lend to efficient guest check in or package delivery services? 
• Are staff entering your building into a shared resident space? 

All of these questions, and more, should be considered to make the most effective use of your space. 

Our interior design experts recommend taking note of all staff workflows that occur in a space when renovating. That way, you are able to keep efficiency front of mind when laying out the flow of each room. 

Your visitor’s entrance is a great place to implement time-saving technology that boosts infection prevention. Technology supports the visitation experience and promotes staff efficiency, infection prevention and safety. Automated screening kiosks using temperature scanners or biometric screening devices allow visitors to passively have their temperature taken and complete required screening questions, minimizing the need for a staff member to conduct these checks. 

“Creating a separate locker room with showers, very similar to something you might see at your gym, would allow the employees to decontaminate and store their personal belongings away from residents. Uniforms could also be provided as an extra added safety measure. These uniforms could be laundered and hung in the locker rooms for staff at the start of their shift.”

There are endless ways to optimize your building as a caregiver. Along with a good ventilation system, ensure clean air is always flowing through your space with Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization (NPBI™). NPBI reduces certain viruses, bacteria and odors. Studies show that Needlepoint Bipolar Ionization technology inactivates up to 98.33% of SARS-CoV-2.³ Users experienced up to 41% reduced risk of COVID-19 infection in their buildings with NPBI.⁴ 

TELS Building Services offers tailored building health with 24/7 live support from our specialists. Leverage TELS Platform to request services and quotes, record service history and provide consolidated visibility into services spend. Access local technicians specially coached to service Senior Living communities. Learn more about TELS. 

Direct Supply is dedicated to innovative solutions to optimize your Senior Living caregiver team. Located in downtown Milwaukee, the Innovation & Technology Center (ITC) is the dedicated arm of Direct Supply where improving existing technology and developing forward-thinking innovations related to senior health is the top priority. Visit the ITC. 

The Bottom Line:
Senior Living Engagement: Everyone in the Community Plays a Role

There are more caregivers in your building than just your staff members. Incorporate labor saving technology that optimizes whole building health. Tap into your residents and the surrounding community to achieve optimal resident engagement and total community success.

Contact our Senior Living architect, interior and foodservice design experts to help you get started implementing these strategies in your community today.

For more trends in Senior Living design, download the 2022 Design Trends in Senior Living eBook.